Week 5: Youth Booth

In some upcoming posts I will catch you all up about the youth camps I have been spending the past couple of weeks at but let’s meet another fantastic youth I get to hang out with.

Ready?

Say hello to Nakato Rachel.

Recently turned 16 years on August 25^th.  I explained to her about Sweet 16 and how in America this is the age you can begin to drive on your own once you pass a driving test and receive your license.  She merely shrugged her shoulders… I mean why would you want to drive in crazy Kampala.  Need a reminder?  Please read: Matatus, Bodas, and Bikes, Oh My!    

She is studying in secondary school at the level of S1, somehow equal to 8^th grade in the States.  Due to the cost of school fees in Uganda, you find that the ages of students in the class are widespread…

Rachel was born and raised in Kamuli District in Eastern Uganda but moved to Kampala two years ago with her family to pursue better educational opportunities.

Throughout her studies she has settled on computers as her favorite subject.

When she finishes her education she hopes to become a dancer.

I asked Rachel how her education would help her pursue her goals of being a dancer.  Her response, “I need to continue to study so that when I stop to dance I will remain with the education to help me with jobs.  It is better to be with two things in your life than just one.  It will make life easier.”

Some of her favorite moments at In Movement include leading dance sessions, which I can vouch for as her passion comes through.

One thing she has learned over the years is that if she searches to do something with all her heart, she can do it without fear.

Two weeks ago Rachel attended GirlTech 3.14159, an empowerment camp for Ugandan girls.  I was nervous about sending some of my In Movement girls, as this camp would be focusing on science and technology and not so much on creative arts.  Needless to say, Rachel’s mindset and mantra set the tone for those girls to enjoy the camp, exploring their options, and sharing what they know to help bridge the gap between creative arts and science.

Rachel’s advice to the youth is, “Try and fail but never fail to try.”

I know that this girl will go far in life.

How you ask?

Straight from her mouth, “Everyone on Earth is born with talents but you have to make sure that you influence your talent and make your dreams pass through.”